Live & Performance

Sound great on stage. Guides to PA systems, live mixing, monitoring, gigging and performing, whether you play solo or in a band.Start here: Best PA Systems for Live Bands · Best Powered PA Speakers for Gigs and Events · Best Digital Mixers for Live Sound · Best Apps for Playing Backing Tracks Live.

How to EQ a Room for Live Sound

Learn how to EQ a room for live sound — tame boomy bass, harsh mids and feedback with system EQ…
How to Connect Instruments to a PA System

Learn how to connect instruments to a PA system the right way — DI boxes, mics, line inputs and gain…
Do I Need a Subwoofer for My PA System?

Do I need a subwoofer for my PA system? When subs are worth it, when they aren’t, by music style…
How Many Watts Does My PA System Need?

How many watts PA system do I need? A practical guide to PA wattage by venue size, audience and music…
How to Use Reverb in a Live Mix

Learn how to use reverb in live sound — set up an aux send, pick the right reverb type and…
How to Use Compression in Live Sound

Learn how to use compression in live sound — practical threshold, ratio, attack and release settings for vocals, bass and…
How to Gain Stage a Live Mixer

Learn how to gain stage a live mixer step by step — set preamp gain, use the PFL meter, leave…
How to Set Up Wireless Microphones for Live Use

Learn how to set up wireless microphones live — frequency coordination, antenna placement, gain, batteries and dropout-free tips for clean,…
Best Microphones for Live Vocals on Stage

The best microphones for live vocals on stage, with real picks from Shure, Sennheiser, Electro-Voice, AKG and more, plus how…
How to Mic a Singer Live for the Best Vocal Sound

Learn how to mic a singer live for a clear, feedback-free vocal — mic choice, technique, placement, monitor setup and…